' I remember that Staupitz was wont to say, 'I
have vowed unto God above a thousand times that I would become a
better man: but I never performed that which I vowed. Hereafter
I will make no such vow: for I have now learned by experience
that I am not able to perform it. Unless, therefore, God be
favorable and merciful unto me for Christ's sake, I shall not be
able, with all my vows and all my good deeds, to stand before
him.' This (of Staupitz's) was not only a true, but also a godly
and a holy desperation; and this must they all confess, both with
mouth and heart, who will be saved. For the godly trust not to
their own righteousness. They look unto Christ their reconciler
who gave his life for their sins. Moreover, they know that the
remnant of sin which is in their flesh is not laid to their
charge, but freely pardoned. Notwithstanding, in the mean while
they fight in spirit against the flesh, lest they should FULFILL
the lusts thereof; and although they feel the flesh to rage and
rebel, and themselves also do fall sometimes into sin through
infirmity, yet are they not discouraged, nor think therefore that
their state and kind of life, and the works which are done
according to their calling, displease God; but they raise up
themselves by faith.
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